Welcome back to “NFL’s Believe It or Not.” This week, I will focus on controversial comments from Chris Johnson, Julio Jones, and Jim Harbaugh.
Chris Johnson
I will start with New York Jets running back Chris Johnson, who said, “I’d just retire and not play anymore if I didn’t feel like I was still capable of being a 2,000-yard back. I know I have the ability.” In 2009, Chris Johnson rushed for 2006 yards in just his second NFL season. He has never come close to that mark since. Many fantasy football participants probably remember drafting Chris Johnson early in the first round and watching him ruin their season with only 1,364 rushing yards in 2010. While that number certainly isn’t terrible, the huge drop-off from his 2006-yard season left him in a position in which he has never recovered. Last season, Chris Johnson barely eclipsed the 1000-yard mark, rushing for 1077 yards and only scoring 6 touchdowns. He will turn 29 in September, so his physical attributes will continue to decline, as they have steadily since he surpassed 2000 yards when he was 24. Furthermore, the Jets will give running back Chris Ivory a fair share of touches as well this season. If they could work together as a 1-2 punch, the Jets should have a very good running game. Chris Johnson won’t receive the necessary carries required to reach 2000 yards and even if he did, he hasn’t shown any sign that he still has the skill to reach that level.
Julio Jones
Next up, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones boldly exclaimed, “I feel like I am the best receiver in the league.” Making an argument for Julio Jones as one of the top five wide receivers in the NFL might be plausible. Ranking him as the best wide receiver is absolutely absurd, especially since he is coming off of a major injury. Julio Jones should have confidence in his abilities because he is a great wide receiver, but why did he even bother to say something this ridiculous? He must realize that Calvin Johnson easily owns the title as the best wide receiver and nobody else comes close. Calvin Johnson also has the stats to back up his argument, as he recorded 1,492 receiving yards this season while only playing in 14 games. In 2012, when Calvin Johnson was fully healthy, he set an NFL record for the most receiving yards in one season, with 1,964 yards. Few people will be surprised if Calvin Johnson surpasses the 2000-yard receiving mark this season. In 2012, Julio Jones recorded 1,198 yards after playing in all 16 games. His best season so far doesn’t even reach Calvin Johnson’s 2013 injury-plagued season statistically. Julio Jones is a great player, but there really is no competition here.
Jim Harbaugh
Finally, San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh discussed backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert’s progress, saying, “Very impressed with Blaine mentally, physically — all attributes that you’d like to see in a quarterback. He’s been very good, very solid.” Has Jim Harbaugh ever seen Blaine Gabbert play in an actual game? To a certain extent his former team’s lack of talent definitely decreased his ability, but even Chad Henne played better than Blaine Gabbert in Jacksonville. This is simply another case of a coach praising an offseason acquisition. Blaine Gabbert would have a tough time impressing his mother with his football talent, let alone an NFL coach. This praise isn’t exactly bold, considering Gabbert has no chance of playing unless starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick is injured. In fact, Jim Harbaugh might throw on a helmet and lead the offense himself before he lets Gabbert take the reins.
Make sure to leave your own comments below and come back next Thursday for another edition of “NFL’s Believe It or Not.”
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